Billy Gets His Stripes Back
We brought you the story of lance corporal William "Billy" Windsor of the 1st battalion of the Royal Welsh Regiment and his fall from grace back in June. He lost his stripes after a disgraceful performance during a parade honoring the Queen's 80th birthday. He refused to stay in step during the parade. You'll be happy to know that Billy has redeemed himself, has regained his stripes and is no longer the goat.
William (Billy) Windsor, was demoted to private after refusing to keep in step with a marching band marking the Queen's 80th birthday on June 16, at Episkopi garrison near Limassol on the Mediterranean island's south coast.
Billy — attached to the 1st battalion Royal Welsh — spent three months in the wilderness before his shot at redemption.
And it was on the same Happy Valley parade field where Billy regained the respect of his fellow soldiers.
Billy — Army Number 25232301 — regained his rank after "turning heads" during last week's Alma Day parade to celebrate a Royal Welsh victory in the Crimea War, 1854.
"Billy was honoured to receive his promotion of Lance Corporal by the Colonel of the Royal Welsh Regiment, Brigadier Roderick Porter," British Forces Cyprus spokesman captain Crispin Coates told AFP Tuesday.
"He marched proudly and with his head held high," he added.
The goat was a popular member of the 1st Battalion before his lack of decorum got him into hot water during the birthday bash.
Moreover, the British army in Cyprus had received a protest letter from a Canadian animal rights group demanding the army reinstate Billy as he was "only acting the goat" during the Queen's ceremony.
"Billy performed exceptionally well, he has had all summer to reflect on his behaviour at the Queen's birthday and clearly earned the rank he deserves," said Captain Simon Clarke.
As an NCO, the goat can now enjoy the privileges his rank entails.
"This will include soldiers standing to attention and having membership of the Corporals' Mess," said Crispin.
So, remember to salute Billy. He's a terror on proper etiquette.
Animals, World news | Gaius Tuesday, 26 September , 2006
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Blue Crab Boulevard » Blog Archive » Collectively Off Their Nut — Sunday, 8 October , 2006 @ 11:32 am
By TC@LeatherPenguin, Tuesday, 26 September , 2006 @ 7:35 am
It seems every time my opinion on the Brits softens a bit I see or hear ridiculous crap like this, and have to remind myself that, yes, the entire bloody country is one big bunch of Monty Python wannabes.
By Lars Walker, Tuesday, 26 September , 2006 @ 9:23 am
But don’t you perceive the fearful security risk of permitting our Animal Enemies to infiltrate the armed forces?
By Gaius, Tuesday, 26 September , 2006 @ 9:34 am
True, very true.